Firefighting Manager - Factory Production & Installation

Substrate Volumetric Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd. (POD Foundry)
(Subsidiary of Substrate Volumetric US)

Role: Firefighting Manager - Factory Production & Installation
Location: Visakhapatnam
Profession/Role type: Individual contributor
Employment type: Full-Time
About us:
POD Foundry is a well-funded US startup, targeting the huge $1T+ real estate space. In particular, the company is manufacturing highly differentiable breakthrough prefabricated building modules (PODs) that completely disrupt how buildings are built. POD Foundry modules are multi-disciplinary and utilize innovations across all building disciplines, architecture, structure and MEPF services.

POD Foundry is setting up its first factory in Vizag which will be completely export oriented. You will have the opportunity to witness the entire factory setup cycle from sketch to mass production. We are getting together best in class structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, plumbing engineers, BIM Engineers/Architects, QA/QC professionals and managers, among others. You will have the opportunity to work on all stages of the building module development lifecycle in the factory, that is prototyping, EVT, DVT, PVT & MP. You will collaborate with team members, locally as well as those spread across the globe providing rich opportunities for learning, mentoring, cross-functional leadership as well as helping build out a dynamic, agile and fun-loving environment.

More details about POD Foundry mission and leadership team will be shared with potential candidates who meet the requirements listed below and whose career goals and passions align well with the POD Foundry.

If you are looking to be part of an industry leading team developing industry leading construction technology, please email us at [email removed]

Department: Production
Experience: 10-15 years in hands-on firefighting execution
Education: Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Fire, or Safety Engineering preferred; relevant diploma acceptable with strong practical construction experience
Industry: Firefighting fabrication, installation, and testing experience mandatory; modular, off-site, PEB, or factory-prefabrication experience preferred
Work Location: SEZ Visakhapatnam, with site visits during installation, testing, statutory approvals, commissioning, and handover
Role Summary
Lead factory planning, prefabrication, assembly, testing, and dispatch of active firefighting systems for modular and PEB projects, followed by site installation, commissioning, and authority-approval coordination. Own shop-floor safety, workmanship, productivity, and delivery, coordinating with design, production, quality, procurement, logistics, consultants, authorities, and site teams.
Key Responsibilities and Capabilities

• Manage fire-water networks, hydrants, sprinklers, standpipes/wet risers, hose reels, pumps, tanks, and clean-agent or other gaseous suppression systems, as applicable.
• Interpret approved drawings, specifications, BOQs, hydraulic calculations, and submittals; resolve constructability issues and prepare spool drawings, cutting lists, assembly sequences, and shop-floor work instructions.
• Supervise pipe cutting, deburring, threading, grooving, welding, and flanged or mechanical jointing. Verify joint preparation, groove dimensions, gasket compatibility, weld quality, cleanliness, and corrosion protection.
• Oversee installation of sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, valves, pump assemblies, and suppression equipment. Verify orientation, accessibility, sprinkler positioning and obstructions, equipment clearances, and protection against damage.
• Manage hangers, supports, anchors, seismic restraints where required, flexible connections, and module interfaces. Coordinate penetrations, firestopping, movement allowances, and connections completed on site.
• Prepare daily and weekly production plans; allocate manpower, materials, workstations, tools, jigs, and calibrated instruments. Monitor output, milestones, and recovery actions.
• Verify quantities, incoming materials, equipment approvals, and required listings/certifications. Support technical bids, vendor selection, procurement, and factory acceptance testing; supervise contractors and enforce safe working practices.
• Implement inspection and test plans covering concealed work, hydrostatic testing, flushing, pump performance, alarm valves, flow switches, and supervisory devices. Coordinate specialist suppression-system tests and maintain traceable records.
• Coordinate fire-alarm, smoke-control, emergency-power, and shutdown interfaces against approved cause-and-effect requirements. Support integrated testing, statutory inspections, approval-condition closure, and commissioning.
• Ensure dispatch readiness through dimensional checks, labelling, capped pipe ends, equipment protection, and packaging. Identify site connections and required retesting; manage snag closure.
• Maintain RFIs, approvals, progress reports, variations, cost impacts, and corrective actions. Reduce recurring defects and support measurement, billing, as-builts, O&M manuals, warranties, training, and handover.

Competencies and Preferred Profile
Hands-on factory leadership, practical problem-solving, trade-team mentoring, and effective coordination with specialists and authorities. Strong control of safety, quality, cost, and schedule. Drawing interpretation and MS Office/reporting skills are essential; AutoCAD, Revit/BIM, hydraulic-calculation, or planning-software knowledge is desirable.
Codes and Standards: Working knowledge of applicable NFPA standards, including NFPA 13, 14, 20, 22, 24, and 2001 as relevant; adopted building and fire codes and local amendments, including Washington State requirements for relevant projects; applicable International Building Code (IBC) requirements; required UL listings/FM approvals; and manufacturer installation instructions.

Benefits

• Over and above the opportunity to work with experienced global engineering leaders and cutting-edge technology POD Foundry will offer competitive salaries and benefits
• Interested candidates can share their profile at [email removed] or WhatsApp us on [phone removed]
• Kindly note: This position will require you to pass a background check before/upon hire.
• Kindly note: This position is open for local natives of Visakhapatnam or those willing to relocate.